What's on in the area

Shambala Festival

Aug 2009 (annual)

Cost: £89

The Shambala festival takes place in a site of ornamental lakes, mature woodland and landscaped gardens somewhere (secret) in Northamptonshire, over the August bank holiday weekend.

In a world of "boutique festivals", Shambala quietly cultivates its down-to-earth (and green) mix of creativity, quality entertainment and a good helping of the unexpected.

Apart from brilliant bands, chill-out zones, meditation centres, hot tubs and camp fires, expect the unexpected - non-stop cabaret, freestyle gurning competitions, 1930s tea dances, knitting circles and ukulele lessons.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy film screenings and cutting-edge cabaret, learn classic tea dances, jive, swing and hula dancing in the dance workshop space, or join in the debating tavern. The kids' area includes interactive tents, giant inflatables, a climbing wall, swing boats and Kung Fu.

As usual you won't find out who's playing until you get there, but expect an eclectic mix of new and seasoned live music, from Balkan brass to broken beats, folk, funk, electric and electro. Previous visitors have ranged from The Bees, The Egg and Ska Cubano to DJ Die, Cassette Boy and world-renowned Zimbabwean mbira player Chartwell Dutiro.

Don't forget to pack your most bizarre fancy dress costumes - they're more important than wellies at Shambala!

Northamptonshire

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